Blackcurrant Modifies Gut Microbiota and Reduces the Risk of Postmenopausal Osteoporosis: A Pilot Randomized Clinical Trial
The UConn Department of Nutritional Sciences is seeking participants for a research study to determine the effects of blackcurrant consumption on changes in gut microbiome and bone mass in adult women at risk of bone loss
To be eligible to participate:
• Female, age 45-60 years old
• Be classified as perimenopausal (defined as at least one menses in the last 12 months, or had hysterectomy or endometrial ablation without bilateral oophorectomy before age 55, or no more than 5 years since had the final menstrual cycle)
• Willing to ingest a blackcurrant supplement or placebo as well as 400 mg calcium and 500 IU vitamin D daily for 6 months
• No cardiovascular disease, diabetes, cancer, liver or kidney disease
• Not on hormone replacement therapy for at least one year
• Not heavy smokers (>20 cigarettes/day) or heavy drinkers (>2 drinks/day)
• Not taking prescription medications altering bone and Ca metabolism
• Willing to avoid other dietary supplements and foods extremely rich in anthocyanins and fermented dairy products for the duration of the study
• Willing to have 3 blood draws, 3 stool collections, and 2 bone scans
Benefits of participation:
• Free bone density scan results and diet analysis report
• Participants will receive up to $180 for completing the study.
If you are interested in participating, please contact: Jun Sakaki, Graduate Assistant (908-432-8552 or junichi.sakaki@uconn.edu) or Ock K. Chun, Principal Investigator (ock.chun@uconn.edu)
UConn IRB Protocol H20-0035 Approved July 15, 2021.
For more information, contact: Jun Sakaki at junichi.sakaki@uconn.edu